Federal officials again summoned governors from all seven Colorado River Basin states to Washington, D.C., signaling growing concern that negotiations remain stuck. Reports indicate the federal government is preparing to step in more forcefully if states cannot agree on near-term shortage management and a longer-term framework.
Governor Katie Hobbs is escalating efforts to restrict groundwater pumping tied to Saudi-backed alfalfa farming in La Paz County. The reporting highlights how years of unregulated groundwater use have drawn down aquifers connected to Colorado River–dependent regions.
New analysis outlines what may come next if Basin states fail to reach agreement, including deeper federal control, stricter shortage tiers, and more aggressive conservation.
Sources – January 23, 2026
- Los Angeles Times
https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2026-01-22/trump-administration-governors-colorado-river - E&E News by Politico Greenwire
https://www.eenews.net/articles/burgum-summons-governors-to-dc-for-colorado-river-talks/ - Missoula Current (States Newsroom)
https://missoulacurrent.com/colorado-river-states/ - News from the States
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/governors-colorado-river-states-summoned-dc-hopes-breaking-negotiations-impasse - Mother Jones
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/01/arizona-governor-katie-hobbs-groundwater-saudi-alfalfa-exports-farming-almari-vicksburg-la-paz-county-fondomonte-lawsuit/ - Lake Powell Chronicle
https://lakepowellchronicle.com/stories/colorado-river-at-the-crossroads-what-comes-next,96689